“The idea of muses or models, whether it is someone you know or someone you have seen in an image, someone of your imagination or a creature of your own invention, is important to every designer and every collection,” Jacobs told WWD. “I hate talking about inspiration, but everyone needs a catalyst. We look at this person, this model, this muse, and we design for her.”

The exhibit will feature some 70 haute couture and ready-to-wear looks alongside photography, runway images and video footage of models, rock stars, socialites and actresses who set the tone for each era.